The La Caada Unified School District approved Tuesday night the hiring of Dan Yoder as La Caada’s football coach. He replaces Rich Wheeler who retired earlier this year after 12 years as the school’s longest-serving coach.

Yoder has been the JV coach the last four years. He’s a history teacher at La Caada and he’s been at the school five years. Wheeler endorsed Yoder’s hiring. This gives the program continuity, something that’s desperately missing at other programs.

Wheeler’s resignation almost two months ago follows a 12-year run that included eight playoff appearances and two Rio Hondo League titles.

Wheeler compiled a 67-61-5 record with La Caada and helped guide the Spartans to three divisional quarterfinal appearances in addition to winning league titles in 2000 and 2004. Last season, La Caada missed the playoffs after posting a 4-5-1 record. Wheeler will continue to teach physical education at the high school.

We’ll have more details as they become available.